Fourth annual Freedom Classic gears up

Jenny Hatcher, Freedom Classic director, wipes down seats in Grainger Stadium on Saturday in preparation for the following weekend’s games. The Air Force and Navy acadamies will return to Kinston for their annual three-game series beginning Friday.

Zach Frailey / Staff writer

By Wes Wolfe / Staff writer

Published: Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 06:24 PM.

As repeated in the classic baseball film “Bull Durham,” sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes it rains.

Organizers of the 2014 Freedom Classic want none of the rain this year, when the Air Force and Naval academies return for their annual three-game series.

“We’re really worried about the weather this year, because weather’s always been an issue, especially the past two years,” said Jenny Hatcher of the Kinston-Lenoir County Department of Parks and Recreation, who is director of the tournament.

She added, “Last year, our whole game schedule got changed around. It rained a lot, so now we’re just hoping and praying we have nice weather so we don’t have to change everything around.”

As repeated in the classic baseball film “Bull Durham,” sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, and sometimes it rains.

Organizers of the 2014 Freedom Classic want none of the rain this year, when the Air Force and Naval academies return for their annual three-game series.

“We’re really worried about the weather this year, because weather’s always been an issue, especially the past two years,” said Jenny Hatcher of the Kinston-Lenoir County Department of Parks and Recreation, who is director of the tournament.

She added, “Last year, our whole game schedule got changed around. It rained a lot, so now we’re just hoping and praying we have nice weather so we don’t have to change everything around.”

“In the past, we didn’t have a whole week or two of snow and sleet and rain,” King said. “I think that’s had some effect on making plans for the weekend.”

King is seeking volunteers to help with unfurling a 40-foot by 60-foot American flag in the outfield during the national anthem. He said it should take about 40-50 people for each game.

Hatcher said she believes the Classic helps keep Grainger Stadium’s profile out there for active use by baseball teams in special events or the chance of luring a minor league team.

“I think it’s good for it – I think it shows, you know, we’re keeping the field up, we’re actually having these two prestigious military academies that want to come here to play,” Hatcher said.

Hatcher said she expects the event to draw 1,000-1,500 people into the community, and in 2013 Parks and Recreation Director Bill Ellis estimated the Classic contributed $50,000 to the local economy.

“When you can bring in NCAA Division I teams, that’s pretty good college baseball, so I think you get good support,” Lenoir County Economic Development Director Mark Pope said. “We have a number of military bases around us, and I think they make it free for those folks who can come in.

“Even though they may get in the game free, hopefully they’ll come in and spend money in the community.”

In addition, there will be an event for children ages 7-15 on Saturday morning to eat breakfast with and learn from the players.

“We’ll have an hour-long camp just so the kids can, one, learn baseball skills that they need to become a better athlete, and two, just to get the experience of meeting these military athletes and see the patriotic pride these guys have,” Hatcher said.

The games are Friday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 and Wes.Wolfe@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @WolfeReports.